As the New Year approaches, here’s a special (and meaningful) way to capture your goals, dreams, and intentions for the year ahead. Best of all? Every part and piece—along with a little creative magic—can be found at my favorite treasure trove: Goodwill.

Donated and thrifted notebooks, sketchbooks, and scrapbooks were picked up for just a couple of bucks apiece—each one with a story already waiting to be told. I also found fun fabrics, small embellishments, and unexpected bits and pieces that practically begged for a second act.

With a little glue, a dash of creativity, and a lot of heart, these thrifted finds became personalized dream journals—ready to hold hopes, visions, doodles, plans, and possibilities for 2026 and beyond.

While you may want to keep them all for yourself (no judgment here!), these also make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for the dreamers and doers in your world.

Here’s How:

1. Hunt for Dream Journal Treasures at Goodwill

Make frequent visits to your favorite Goodwill nonprofit retail store one of your New Year’s goals—consider it intentional shopping with purpose.

Start in the school and office supply aisles for notebooks, sketchbooks, and scrapbooks. You never know what gems are waiting on the shelves.

Next, head to the dress racks to find fabric for your journal covers. Look for fun prints and larger or longer styles so you’ll have plenty of material to work with. Non-stretchy, non-silky fabrics work best—save the slink for the dance floor.

2. Prep Your Base

Clean your notebook or scrapbook and remove any damaged pages. Think of this as clearing space—on the page and in your spirit—for what’s next.

3. Determine Your Cover Design

Cut fabric or sections of thrifted clothing to fit your notebook cover. Since I’m inviting the New Year to be bold, vibrant, and full of energy, I chose bright and colorful dresses for my covers.

Iron the fabric pieces to remove wrinkles and ensure a smooth fit. Use hot glue along the edges to secure the fabric, then Elmer’s (school or craft) glue to attach it fully. Smooth out wrinkles and bubbles as you go—this part is messy, meditative, and oddly satisfying.

4. Experiment with Embellishments

While treasure hunting at Goodwill, check the seasonal section for small accessories, such as burlap flowers, ribbons, and stickers. Then shop your own stash—old magazines, cards, maps, sheet music, or photos—to see what speaks to you (or to the person you’re creating the journal for).

I especially love paint chip strips, vintage photos, and sheet music to dress up the covers. Play with placement before gluing—audition your pieces first, then commit.

Some of the items used to upcycle these notebooks into dream journals were picked up at a recent Art Supply Swap event co-hosted by Finding Your Good and Tim Kime Art.  We are planning more swaps in 2026, so keep your eyes on our social media for dates and details!

5. Include Inspirational Ideas

Add quotes, affirmations, or words that inspire you. Use markers, paint pens, stickers, or cut-out letters for a playful collage effect. I clipped messages from magazine ads and gift cards—proof that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.

6. Individualize the Inside

Personalize the interior with pockets, envelopes, or sticky notes for goals, vision lists, and photos. You might also include simple prompts like:

  • “This Year I Will…”
  • “Dreams to Chase”
  • “Moments of Gratitude”

Think of the inside as sacred space—room to reflect, imagine, and begin again.

7. Let It Dry & Finish

Allow everything to dry completely. Flip through your pages to make sure all embellishments are secure and ready for writing, dreaming, and becoming.

Tips & Ideas

  • Mix old and new treasures—thrifted finds plus personal touches make each journal truly one of a kind.
  • Use family photos for a sentimental layer of meaning.
  • Give each journal a theme: Gratitude, Vision Board, or Dreams & Goals.
  • Keep it playful—imperfection adds charm, character, and soul.

Share Your Creations

We love, love, love seeing your dream journals! Share your creations on social media or in the comments below. Tell us about your favorite inspirational messages or how you’ve upcycled treasures into something new.

Creating these journals was a joyful, meditative process. Each one is more than a notebook—it’s a sacred space to dream, reflect, and grow. And the best part? You’re giving old treasures a brand-new purpose.

Here’s to a New Year filled with creativity, intention, a little bit of magic—and lots of Goodwill.

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Tim Kime

Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach

Tim Kime is an artist, life coach, and connector. He is the President of Kime Leadership Associates, offering executive coaching, meeting facilitating, and motivational speaking. He is also the Chief Creative Force of Transformation Junkies which upcycles furniture and other household items into functional works of art. He combined his two passions—unleashing the potential in people and transforming items with the launch of the Art of Possibilities Workshops. These workshops are part upcycling, part dreaming, and part goal setting.